Custom Trip Planning

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.

For more than two decades, as a former Northwest Editor for Backpacker magazine and running this blog, I have had the good fortune of hiking and backpacking all over America and the world. I’ve made a living identifying, planning, and writing about great trips. That’s why The Big Outside is a uniquely authoritative resource for outdoor adventures and has made several best-blog lists.

Now you can tap into my expertise—saving your valuable timeand avoiding problems.

For just $149.95 (for most requests), I’ll provide an in-depth, customized trip-planning consult. We will cover all necessary pre-trip planning, questions about season and weather, required permits, logistics, and basic gear questions, as well as how to execute your trip on the ground in the safest and most enjoyable way.

Whether you have a specific trip in mind, or you’ve identified a park or region but you need help deciding exactly where to go and what to do, I can help you out. I will not only answer all of your questions—I will also answer all the questions you may not know to ask. And I’m always happy to answer any follow-up questions via email.

You can draw on my deep experience, and I can help you make your next trip safer, more enjoyable, and unforgettable!

If you have questions, or just to make sure I can help you with a specific trip, email me at michael@thebigoutside.com. (If I don’t respond quickly, I’m probably in the backcountry, so thank you for your patience. I’ll respond asap. Please contact me at least a few weeks before your trip dates.)

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your next trip!

Ready for my help custom planning your trip? Get started below. Thank you for reading and supporting The Big Outside. Hiking and backpacking is a personal choice and requires that YOU understand that you are personally responsible for any actions you may take based on the information you receive in a custom trip planning consult.

Purchase a Premium Subscription and get a one-year subscription to The Big Outside PLUS one customized trip-planning consult (a $215 value for $184.95).

Mike helped us plan a backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail. I couldn’t have done it without him. He helped us with every detail including which campsites were best to stay at and how to navigate the permit process. We’ll be turning to Mike for future trips for sure!

Mark

Michael is the man! His knowledge and detail are invaluable. We’ve been planning trips with him for the last 3 seasons, and our last 5 outings. My family wouldn’t have it any other way. Couldn’t recommend him more.

Daryn

122 Comments

Lisa Schwanke
on May 11, 2020 at 7:27 pm

I’d llike your help planning a backpacking trip to the Sawtooth Mountains in August of 2020.

The value of Michael’s private trip consultation service simply cannot be overstated. His knowledge, resources, advice, and responsiveness were absolutely top flight. It was a really fun experience! We are still working through how the trip will pan out with the current COVID-19 situation, as we just learned that Glacier NP is no longer doing ANY advance reservations for backcountry camping in 2020; but even as we digested that, he provided great advice and is helping steer us in the right direction. No regrets at all! If you are at all inclined to use his services for an upcoming trip, do it!! I cannot imagine how you would be disappointed.

Michael’s private consult very much exceeded our expectations. Anyone who reads his website will understand he is knowledgeable, however he is also extremely responsible and flexible in his correspondence with clients. We had several unique situations and pivots and he was patient with us, giving options at every turn. His knowledge in itself will save you money and using him was a worthwhile investment!

Michael was really helpful in answering all of my questions and guiding me towards which trip to do for my first backpacking trip. We haven’t gone on it yet but he made the planning really easy and we can’t wait to go. He is a wealth of information and I’m so happy to have found this blog and been fortunate enough to have his help in all this!

What can I say really that others haven’t already? Michael is the man! His knowledge, and detail are invaluable. We’ve been planning trips with him for the last 3 seasons, and our last 5 outings. My family wouldn’t have it any other way. I got enough to plan and decide, it’s just great to have Michael there to figure out the details! Couldn’t recommend him more.

Michael is just so darn helpful with trip planning! He’s planned two trips for us: 1. Grand Canyon/Zion day hikes and backpacking; 2. Lake Tahoe area day-hikes. He is remarkably thorough and attentive to detail. I highly recommend his service if you want to explore an outdoor area, but are not sure where to start. What a great offer!

I have followed Michael for many years in his previous role as writer & editor covering the outdoors and backpacking. He now makes this knowledge available to those of us that are looking for help — in selecting a trip or actually the detailed planning of one. After viewing his posts on the Grand Canyon and Sawtooths, I purchased the Grand Canyon e-guide and invited 2 buddies for a “Rim-to-Rim” in a day adventure — so easy.

For a week in the Sawtooths, I recruited Michael to help lay out the trip — with the best side trips and options. Big time saver, and a much better routing. Very helpful, and right on target.

Michael did a custom trip plan for me in Kings Canyon-Sequoia. I am an experienced backpacker and have done a big trip every year for 25 years. But… looking for other ideas and a little help with planning when times are busy! This was fantastic, saved me hours of time, gave me some new ideas and off we go. Looking forward to a carefree trip and only focusing on my gear!

10/10 will suggest Michael’s custom trip planning service to anyone. From the beginning Michael was super helpful in guiding us through the planning and permitting process, then worked with us to dial in the perfect route for our trip. Thanks Michael!

In 2019 I decided to take up solo dayhiking. I had no idea what to expect, how to plan, what gear to buy, etc. I stumbled on Michael’s blog and spent hours reading articles and trying to soak up information.

I opted for the upgrade to the blog and am so very happy I did it. I emailed Michael, not expecting an answer right away, and was pleasantly surprised when he answered immediately. With the upgrade came the inclusion of Michael’s knowledge to help plan hikes.

Michael didn’t waste any time helping me plan several hikes for 2020. He has answered all of my questions without hesitation and he has given me a lot of guidance. He has helped me become more confident and safe while hiking in some of the most beautiful places. I’m so thankful to have found his blog and I have had no need for any other resource. Michael’s expertise and willingness to help me has been invaluable.

My son and I pick a different national park each summer for father/son backpacking trip. In 2018 it was the trans Zion Trek. Last summer I discovered Michael’s website while researching the Teton Crest Trail. I was blown away by the level of detail (no doubt due to his first-hand experience). We purchased Michael’s e-guide for the Teton Crest Trail and found the guide to be incredibly thorough and well thought out. It made our trip much more enjoyable and the tips and recommendations regarding backcountry permits made the process much easier.

I reached out to Michael again this year to help me plan another father/son trip and we discovered that many of the trips we were interested in taking were going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, because we were locked in to a specific range of dates that were too early in the season for passage, due to snow.

With that said, Michael sent me a detailed email with some really cool options that I had not even considered and it really helped us narrow our focus. With his help we decided on a guided trip to summit Mount Olympus in July 2020. Michael recommended some guide services and has continued to offer help in planning our trip.

This is an awesome resource for seasoned backpackers and newbies alike!

Thanks for the great comment, John, I appreciate it. And I’m very excited for you and your son with your upcoming climb up Mount Olympus. As I told you, I climbed Olympus several years ago and it’s beautiful and adventurous, while being within the abilities of fit novice climbers going with guides. Have a great time. And thanks also for the nice words about my e-guide to backpacking the Teton Crest Trail.

Did you not receive the email I sent you after you commented inquiring about the Dolomites? I’ll try sending it again now, but if you do not see it, please email me at michael@thebigoutside.com. Thanks, I’d be happy to help you out.

I am looking to plan a trip through the Dolomites this summer. We are experienced backpackers, have lived abroad and have done hut-to-hut in Switzerland so are somewhat familiar with what to expect. That said, we are likely to only have 5 days and want to maximize the time with the best huts and get some help with reservations and logistics. Is that something that you might be able to help us with?

Yes, I believe that I can help you plan that Dolomites trip. I have helped other readers plan hut treks in the Dolomites that were shorter than the one my family took on the Alta Via 2, which I wrote about in my story “The World’s Most Beautiful Trail: Trekking the Alta Via 2 in Italy’s Dolomites.” I’ll email you and we can discuss what you’re looking for in more detail. Thanks for the inquiry.

Although I have had many outdoor excursions, my experience in backcountry hiking is minimal. In arranging my solo, 6-day trip on the Teton Crest Trail, Michael has really listened to my concerns, taken into account my vintage (69 years) and planned an awesome trip that really fits my needs. He outlined many different options. I could shorten the length of my days or add side excursions depending on how things developed on the trail. This really helped my confidence that I could complete this solo adventure.

Micheal’s response time to questions I had was exceptional. I came to expect a reply within the day if not the hour. He really works hard at arranging the best experience possible for you.

Michael followed up with me on my success getting a permit reservation. Unfortunately, my application for the TCT permit did not go well (it is a very popular trail… be ready on the first day of applying for a permit!), and the dates I ended up with were late in the season. He responded with his thoughts on the late date and was ready to help me with other options. I will not be completing the trip this year but am definitely ready to connect with Michael next year to complete this TCT excursion.

I highly recommend Michael for any backpacking trip you may be planning. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks for that very thoughtful and heartfelt comment, I really appreciate it.

I’m sorry the GTNP permit reservation process did not work out in your favor this year. I do believe you were ready for this trip, should you have gotten a permit for dates at least a couple of weeks earlier. I strongly encourage you to apply again next year, and contact me in advance of the date—and we’ll try to make sure you’re ready to make a successful application.

Having never been to the Tetons and looking for guidance in planning our backpacking trip, my friend and I took a chance on Michael and purchased his trip planning consulting services. Turns out it was a great choice! He gave us top notch info that included a detailed plan on routes, distances, elevations, along with links to articles regarding tips on backpacking, gear, and getting permits. With his vast experience and passion for parks and hiking, I would highly recommend Michael as someone who can help plan your next trip. I have a feeling my buddy and I will be contacting Michael for our next adventure as well!

Michael was a great help planning my father-daughter backpacking trip before my daughter went off to college. My daughter, her best friend and her father had never done any backpacking, but with Michael’s guidance with routes, including longer or shorter options, food suggestions and even transportation recommendations, our 6-day Yosemite trip was a huge success. We managed to have quiet, beautiful and empty campsites, yet still hit some of the greatest highlights including Clouds Rest, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome.

The girls absolutely loved the trip, ended up doing all the longer routes, and are already talking next year’s trip.

Thanks for that comment, Chris, and I’m so glad your Yosemite trip with your daughter, her friend, and that girl’s dad went so well. You did see some great backcountry on that hike. I’d be happy to help you plan your next trip, of course. Keep in touch.

After reading Michael’s blog for some time, I recently reached out to him for help planning a hike of the John Muir Trail. His website is always my first reference point when seeking expert advice on gear and trips so I’m very excited to have the benefit of his extensive knowledge and experience! With Michael’s guidance, I’m confident my trip will be well-planned. I wouldn’t worry so much if I were hiking it alone, but a friend is joining me and I believe Michael’s assistance will ensure a well-prepared plan for us.

I also appreciate his in-depth gear reviews so I’ll be poring over those in the coming months to ensure the gear I bring will be the most beneficial for this particular trip. This is a Bucket List trip and I’m now confident I’ll have a great plan and the appropriate gear which is a very comforting feeling! Thanks, Michael!

I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed working with Michael. As a longtime backpacker and hunter, I’ve spent a lot of nights outside. But as I’ve gotten older and started bringing my own kids and friends out, it’s gotten more difficult. Where to sleep, where to hike, what to see? All become more difficult with kids, and adults sometimes. Michael‘s service has helped take care of that. I just tell him where I wanna go, who I’m taking, and how long I wanna be gone. It’s that easy. This upcoming season will be my 3rd with Michael, and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon. Here’s to your next adventure!

Just worked with Michael on planning a trip to the Grand Canyon and he was incredibly helpful. I’m a fairly experienced backpacker, but wow, Michael’s vast experience is next level. I hope he continues to do trip planning because I plan on hiring him for every backpacking trip from here on out!!! Thanks again Michael, you’re the best!

Huge thanks to Michael for helping us to plan a group hiking/camping trip to the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho in July, 2020! We’re stoked!

I’m a total novice at this and was looking for an expert to help… so glad I stumbled on this blog. Michael helped us narrow down possible locations and put together a solid itinerary for a weeklong trip for a group of 8 guys next summer. He’s clearly got the knowledge and experience and has been very responsive and helpful.

I’ll check back in and post a follow-up after the trip, but sure appreciate the help in planning. Thanks!

I’m very grateful to Michael. He planned for us (my 10 year old son and me) a spectacular trip on Yosemite to a place called Young Lakes in the High Sierra Mountains. We had a great time and it was challenging for both physically (my backpack was very heavy). I got to test my son’s limits with success and great sense of accomplishment for him and me. The scenery was beautiful and very peaceful. We had wonderful weather (with a nice cold front) throughout the trip.

Thank you again Michael for all your recommendations and detailed tips. Very happy with your service overall.

Thanks for the comment, Johann, and congratulations again on such a successful and rewarding adventure for both you and your son. I remember well taking my kids at that young age, and the enormous sense of accomplishment they always felt. I’m sure you’re very proud of him, too. Get in touch whenever you’re ready to plan your next family adventure. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Thank you, Mike, for the detailed info and for helping us plan a perfect trip on the Teton Crest Trail! The itinerary and tips were invaluable and made for a most amazing trip. We appreciate you sharing all of your expertise!

Michael is a great communicator and stays on top of things even when he’s pursuing his own adventures. His intimate knowledge of both terrain and things like the backcountry permitting process are extremely helpful. You can figure it out on your own but it will take time and miss some gems. This is not an algorithm advice feed or copy and paste of generic info you can find anywhere. Michael asks detailed questions and provides a lot in return. This includes options you may not know about or have possibly overlooked. Recommend his advice even to more experienced hikers. Really looking forward to Glacier National Park. Thanks Michael!

Thanks for that thoughtful comment, Ben. It was my pleasure helping you plan your trip to Glacier. I’m certain you’ll have a very memorable adventure (just as every trip I’ve taken to Glacier has been).

Michael, thanks a ton for your help planning our backpacking trip on the Wilderness Coast of Olympic National Park. We’ve always enjoyed your blog and have used it for inspiration and as a huge resource in planning a bunch of epic backcountry backpacking trips, including Zion and the Tetons.

The added ability to consult directly with you has been invaluable. So nice to be able to get detailed answers and tips from an experienced hiker who has done the same trek we are planning. In addition to just being fun to compare notes on the planning, it’s saved us a ton of time vs. scouring numerous other resources and it’s allowing us to head out on the trail with confidence knowing we have done all we can to avoid any surprises. Will definitely be reaching out again. Can’t wait for our trip. Thanks again!

Thank you for those nice words, and of course, I’m delighted that you found my custom trip consult very useful for your backpacking trip on the Olympic coast (one of the top 10 best backpacking trips in America, in my opinion). Have a wonderful adventure!

Wanted to let you know we had an amazing hike. Our group of nine all agreed it was one of the best we’ve done and probably one of the best campsites we’ve ever had (at Mosquito Creek where we opted to camp on the beach, had an amazing view, soft sand to sleep on, a simultaneous sunset and moonrise, fresh water and a fire). Right up there with our Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim, Teton Crest Trail, and Zion traverse treks.

We were fortunate with weather—some mist and overcast skies our first morning, but the rest of the time pretty much clear blue skies and amazing sunsets. Tidal crossings all went smoothly, the rope ladders added some fun, and it was dry enough that the mud wasn’t too bad inland.

This trek was so much different from others we’ve done, but no less breathtaking. Thanks so much again for all the advice and guidance—it was tremendously helpful. Already brainstorming for next year. We’ll definitely be reaching out once we narrow in on a destination.

Hey Mark, I’m psyched that you had such a good time on the southern Olympic coast—it is such a stellar and unique hike. Thanks for the comment, and of course I’d be very happy to help you plan your next trip. Much appreciated.

HI Michael. I’m planning a trip backpacking trip with my 10-year-son for the beginning-middle of September. I have intermediate experience backpacking.Last year, we went to Yellowstone and we camped for one night, we went fly-fishing for the first time and we rock climbed (we have some experience). All of the experiences we did with local guides so we could make the best of it in short time. All together about 3-4 days (not including traveling). I want to do something similar this year with him (maybe Utah, Canada, etc). Do you have any suggestions? Would you be able to put it together with a full consultation?
Tks

Michael’s many years of backpacking experience proved to be incredibly helpful towards planning an adventure for our family and friends this summer. Not only did he thoroughly detail what to expect along the planned route, but he also offered up some enticing, alternate scenic options if spare time and opportunity present themselves. Highly recommended!

Mike helped us plan a backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail. I couldn’t have done it without him. He helped us with every detail including which campsites were best to stay at and how to navigate the permit process. We’ll be turning to Mike for future trips for sure!

Michael helped plan our one-week trip to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. He gave us great options, both dayhikes and backcountry camping options. He also checked back in regularly with us to ensure the plan addressed our wants and needs. I’d recommend this service to anyone that wants some help getting into the wilderness.

Hi Michael
I’m traveling to the Tetons for a 4 night/5 day backpacking trip at the end of this month and would really value your thoughts on our planned route and timeline. We arrive in Jackson early on the 28th and plan to use the 28th and 29th to get permits and remaining supplies and do a day trip up to Yellowstone. Here is our currently thinking:

• Day 1 (aug 30): We’re planning to begin backpacking the morning of the 30th via the Death Canyon Trail Head near Phelps Lake. We’ll camp that evening within the Death Canyon camping zone and already have permits for that night.
• Day 2 (aug 31): Hike from Death Canyon through Fox Creek Pass to the Death Canyon Shelf where we will camp for night 2. Given exposure on the shelf, we have a permit for a second night in Death Canyon, or more likely we’d push through to Alaska Basin if it looks like weather isn’t conducive to an overnight on the shelf. We still need to get a permit for the shelf. If we can’t do the shelf, would you recommend pushing through to Alaska Basin?
• Day 3 (sept 1): This is where our plan becomes a bit more fluid because we don’t have permits from this point forward and will need to get them upon arrival in Jackson. After leaving the shelf, we’ve considered a detour up Buck Mtn which we believe would require us to target our third overnight in the South Fork Camping area. If we camp in the basin night two, this would definitely be an easier things to add. Is the trek up Buck Mtn. worthwhile or would you recommend other excursions during this part of the trip? Are we correct in assuming South Fork would be the right target from a time and distance perspective if we do Buck Mtn with a starting point from the Shelf? Do you recommend one area more than another when comparing North vs South Fork areas for camping?
• Day 4 (sept 2): For the 4th night our current plan is to try to get a permit for the Upper Paintbrush area.
• Day 5 (sept 3): And on day five we’d trek through Paintbrush to jenny lake trail head.

We fly out the morning of Sept 4.

Overall, would you recommend any changes? What alternatives should we consider?

Separately, we have an individual considering joining us for part of the trek who is sensitive big vertical exposures. We know that there are certainly narrow trails and big verticals during the middle portion of the plan outlined above, but were hoping we might be able to involve him in the first and last day of the trip. Based on your familiarity with this route, do you think this individual would be comfortable joining us for day 1 and the first night of camping and then reconnecting with us on the backend in the Paintbrush area for our final overnight?

Hi John, coincidentally, I just obtained the Feathered Friends Eos down jacket and will be testing it on some upcoming backpacking trips. Watch for a review soon (or search for Feathered Friends Eos in my search box at the top of the sidebar if you’re reading this long after I posted this comment). Thanks for asking.

Writing from San Martino after 3 days up in the mountains based on your recommendation for the Italian Dolomites. Huge thank you. What an amazing spot.

We ended up going from Cervino east and north to Mulaz and day hiking from there. Plans had been to hike from Cervino to Rosetta and Padidilla, but still too much snow and going over passes without gear was not recommended.

Enormous appreciation for the time you put into sharing your thoughts on what section of the Alta Via II made sense based on our logistics. You took all the guess work and anxiety out of the process for me, which made the experience fantastic.

Thanks for the comment, Mark. I’m so glad your family’s trip was such a success, but I’m not surprised. The Dolomites are truly unique, I want to get back there again. Good on you for bringing your kids there. Only problem is: How do you top that??? You let me know when you’re ready to answer that question, I’ll be happy to help you.

I really appreciate all your very thoughtful and helpful advice for our upcoming backpacking trip on the Spider Gap-Buck Creek Pass Loop in Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness. This trip is a special event for my son, who just graduated, and me. Your customized consultation for our trip was excellent and provided very good details on itinerary per day, best campsites, the appropriate equipment to consider as well as other things to consider to make the trip easy and enjoyable. I also appreciated your cross-references within your blog to provide further considerations.

I really appreciated the quick turnaround on all follow-up questions. Thanks again!

Hello, I’m packing into the Sawtooth Mountains for a week, some say I should take my trail gun. The ranger said if I’m comfortable with one, bring it. What is your opinion on this? I just found you on the net, I think I’ll take one of your recommended backpacking routes.

Hi Mark, I honestly don’t see any reason for having a gun in the Sawtooths. I assume you’re worried about bears. There are black bears, no grizzlies, and you’re not even likely to see a bear, never mind that they are almost never aggressive toward people. I assume you’re safe with your firearm, but I would be worried that an errant shot could strike another person out there. I think a small air horn (the company Falcon makes good ones that weigh just a few ounces) would be much more effective because it would scare off a black bear and certainly not be dangerous to anyone.

Thank you for your in-depth recommendations on the Alta Via 2. Your hiking knowledge and firsthand experience was invaluable. My wife and I are super confident about this hike and what is possible based on your input.

To other readers of this blog: I highly recommend Michael to anyone in need of hiking advise, strategies, and/or creating an itinerary when taking on your next backpacking adventure. He is super flexible, stays in constant communication, provides more information than asked, clear and concise, and will try and answer any questions you have. I will for sure be using him in the future with any hikes that I am unfamiliar with.

I just wanted to say thank you for all of the extremely helpful info you provided to my wife and I for our upcoming backpacking trip to the Sawtooths in a few weeks. We were able to consider some route changes due to snow in the higher elevations and the links you provided have been very valuable. You answered every question we had very thoroughly.

To anyone considering a backpacking trip, we’d highly recommend consulting with Michael first. You will not regret it.

Michael, thanks very much for your detailed and very helpful advice about my recent trip to Zion National Park. At Zion my wife and I got to Angel’s Landing, she stopped there, I started up the chains about 30 yards and decided it wasn’t for me, came back down and, based on your suggestion to hike the West Rim Trail, went up the West Rim, which I thought was a great, scenic, unpopulated hike that I really loved. Next day I hiked around Zion on several of the trails, just taking it all in and having a wonderful day.

Day 3 was Bryce Canyon and that place kind of blew me away. I did the hike you suggested, combining the Navajo and Peekaboo loops. Peekaboo is a really fun trail, where I met some great people along the way, lots of picture taking at the Cathedral, Window of Walls, etc. I would not have done these trails without your guidance, so I’m thankful to you.

I want to give Michael a HUGE shout out for the help he gave us on our call. He was incredibly informative and it made our trip planning so much easier. Plus, I’m sure our trip will be significantly better because of the advice he gave. Our call was the best money I’ve spent in a long time!

Thanks for the great writing, pictures, and tips regarding the Tetons. I’ve secured my permits for a Teton Crest Trail adventure this August. I can’t wait to experience this scenic trail first-hand. My permit has two nights in Cascade South Fork. Question: what is your opinion of climbing up South Teton from the West Ridge? From topo maps and pictures, it looks possible, but I can’t find much information on the topic and you seem to know the park like the back of your hand. Thoughts?

Hi Eric, thanks for the nice compliment. I had a very similar idea once some years back–that I could hike and scramble from Avalanche Divide, which is the 10,000+-foot saddle between Avalanche Canyon and South Fork of Cascade, over the South Teton and into the South Fork of Garnet Canyon (then descend Garnet). I actually got on the phone with a park climbing ranger, who informed me that the South Teton is ringed by cliffs of terrible, crumbling, dangerous rock. When I subsequently (some years later) climbed the South Teton via its normal route, from the South Fork of Garnet Canyon, I got a look at the mountainside I’d been thinking about, and that ranger was right. It’s a nightmare.

I’ve seen the South Teton’s west slopes from Avalanche Canyon (I’ve backpacked down and dayhiked up Avalanche Canyon), and it’s all pretty much the same very convoluted topography of steep, exposed cliffs of bad rock and lots of features that would make route-finding very difficult, even if there appeared to be a safe route.

In short, I wouldn’t recommend it.

However, I am very familiar with the entire TCT and areas around Avalanche Canyon and the South Fork of Cascade and farther south; I have taken some safe, off-trail routes in amazing terrain. If you’re interested in more-detailed suggestions, check out how I handle such inquiries at my Ask Me page (https://thebigoutside.com/ask-me/) and emaill me.

I have loved reading your blog when I can and even bought your book. 🙂 I really can’t justify buying a subscription right now as I really can’t do any hiking at this point in my life. I understand that you need to do it though and wish you all the best of luck!

I wanted to write to you and thank you once again for all of your help in planning my trip. I should have written long before now but time got away from me this summer. I wanted to let you know that we had a great experience and enjoyed every moment of the trip. It was absolutely amazing and I am hopeful that my kids (although they thoroughly enjoyed it) will appreciate it even more as they grow older.

Each park was special in its own way and it is difficult to say what I enjoyed the most. If I had to name one thing it would be the Highline Trail at Glacier National Park. As I reflect on the trip, there really isn’t anything that I regret. I would do it all the same way if I had it to do over again.

I hope you had a great summer and made some family memories of your own….I am sure that you did.

I recently finished my trip to The Sawtooths. It was amazing! I most enjoyed Sand Mountain Pass and the descent to Toxaway Lake in the afternoon light. I am hard-pressed to find any equals, perhaps the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. I visited nearly all of the places you suggested. I hope they never create a Sawtooths National Park. Thanks so much for helping me plan a route.

Next on my agenda is the High Sierra (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and perhaps Mt Whitney), which you also helped me plan. Thanks again.

Hi Dave, good on you for doing such an amazing hike in the Sawtooths, certainly one of my favorite mountain ranges. The High Sierra will be an appropriate follow-up. Thanks for reading and supporting my blog and safe and happy future adventures to you. Keep in touch.

Michael, you provided invaluable guidance during our phone conversation. Some destinations such as Utah have so many options that it can be overwhelming. Your pointers and pros and cons made planning my trip easier. More than a service it felt like a friend providing useful, sincere advice. Thanks!

Thanks, Michael, you were extremely prompt and thorough in answering my Ask Me question. You guided me to specific blog posts and provided new information that can only be obtained through extensive first-hand experience. I want to make the most of my family’s time in the backcountry, and your advice will definitely help. Thanks again!

Would really appreciate any recommendations you could make for 3 day two night backcountry hiking/camping in Colorado. Our group of guys have done Sahale (nice pic) and the Narrows. We’ve already booked our flights into Denver and are looking for something hopefully no more than a three hour drive to a trailhead. Open to any distance and/or elevation… lake or water nearby would be great. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Michael, thanks for reading my blog. Sahale and the Narrows are two tough acts to follow! Go to my All Trips By State page (https://thebigoutside.com/all-trips-by-state/) and scroll down to Colorado for links to stories I’ve already posted. Those should give you some ideas. If you’d like to talk further, email me (see note at the top of this page). Good luck.

We are trying to plan a trip for the Canyonlands and just watched your video on Squaw Canyon to Chelser Park. Approximately how many miles round trip was this and what campsites did you stay at? Was this a one nighter or did you guys did multiple nights on this hike? Thanks!

Hi Jocilyn, I’ve hiked parts of that route but not the entire thing, and I’m sorry, but I don’t have the precise mileage. The reader was looking for a trip of seven to 12 miles per day, and I think that route’s total distance would fall within those parameters. I can only suggest that you try to measure it out on a map as accurately as possible. Good luck.

Hi Michael, My wife and now 1 1/2 year old boy have grown out of our Hubba Hubba and are looking for new 3p tent for the up coming season. I was looking at the Carbon Reflex 3 but am concerned about durability. We are also considering a Zpacks Triplex for its excellent weight savings, but would miss the star gazing potential. Do you have any experience with these tents? We would really like to keep the weight down as much as possible as we have many snacks and toys that have been added to our gear list! Any ideas would be helpful.

Hi Dave, thanks for writing and following my blog. I’ve used the MSR Carbon Reflex 2 and didn’t review it because I broke a pole and I found it really cramped for space for two people; I generally only review gear and apparel that I like and can recommend to readers. You may have seen I reviewed the MSR Freelite 2 (https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-msr-freelite-2-ultralight-tent/). I haven’t used the ZPacks Triplex.

Did a ton of day-hikes/car-camping in 2016 with a more of this level adventuring planned for 2017 (Mt Olympic/YosemiteValley/Banff/Jasper). Personally though, I can already sense that I need more.

Might you have a perfect 2-3 days backpacking trip up your sleeve fitting for 2 novice backpackers consisting of husband and wife? Preferably for March if possible? Any suggestions would be great. Thank you.

Hey there Michael, Ive got a question about an upcoming trip a group of guys and myself are planning to do. In August, we are planning on doing the Spider Gap-Buck Creek Pass Loop. I know there was a fire in Buck Creek and the trail back to Trinity Trailhead is closed and the Forest Service does not know if they will be able to clear the trail and open up the trail this year. I wanted to know if you knew anything about extending the loop to High Pass, down Napeequa Valley, up to Little Giant Pass and then exiting at the Little Giant Trailhead. Do you know how many miles this may add to the trip or if this would be a good alternative if Buck Creek Trail is closed? Thanks a bunch

Too bad the Buck Creek Trail is closed. On a previous backpacking trip up to Buck Creek Pass, I hiked the user trail (not shown on maps, but quite obvious) from the campground at Buck Creek Pass up onto Liberty Cap, and then along that 7,000-foot ridge southeast to High Pass. Beautiful hike when it’s clear (though quite exposed in wind and weather). I went as far as Triad Lake, which is not named on maps, but is the lake that Triad Creek drains, right before High Pass. I thought about bushwhacking from High Pass to the Napeequa valley, but I didn’t, so I’m not sure what the terrain is like. It looks like there’s potential for thick bushwhacking and tricky route-finding with steep terrain and maybe cliff bands, but it might go. Then you obviously have trail hiking back to Trinity.

I don’t know where the Buck Creek Trail is closed, but there may be another option for you. I have friends who backpacked another user trail that diverges off the Buck Creek Trail probably less than a mile east-southeast of Buck Creek Pass and climbs onto a high bench traversing over to Massie Lake. (I remember passing the junction once and noticing it, though it’s unmarked, blocked off by the Forest Service, and easy to overlook.) The Green Trails Holden map no. 113 shows an unmaintained trail from Massie Lake down to Trail 1550 in the Chiwawa Valley; my friends hiked that trail. They said it was buggy camping at Massie Lake, but otherwise a good hike. That was probably several years ago.

I certainly can’t say definitively whether either route would work or recommend either one, and I’m sure either would be strenuous and require expert skills. But that’s what I know about that area. Good luck.

I want to take my boyfriend on a modest (35 miles or less) backpacking trip in the southwest US for his 40th birthday. I am having a hard time finding a hike that fits. We will be going in July so avoiding National Parks in the desert are trying to be avoided to miss some of the heat.

Hi. I was planning on doing a 2-night backpacking trip into the Needles District of Canyonlands. I am stuck on trying to figure out how to carry the recommended 1 gallon/day water. Do you have any tips or thoughts to help me with this? Thanks in advance.

I use an MSR Dromedary (http://bit.ly/2k0SRlG) when I have to carry extra water. There’s a 10L size and smaller ones. They’re collapsible and roll up when empty. I place it high in my pack, close to my shoulder blades, for best weight distribution in the pack.

Hi Michael! I’ve enjoyed gaining a lot of useful information and insight from your blogs about Grand Teton National Park. Some buddies and I are planning a backpacking trip along the TCT this year and I’m tentatively leaning towards sometime in September. You’ve mentioned the trail being near a ghost town after labor day and I’m curious as to why. Is there any reason to avoid the trail in the first week or two of September?? Thanks for your advise!

Hi Sam, thanks for the nice words. I like heading into Western mountain ranges like the Tetons after Labor Day because most people take their vacations in summer before Labor Day, and that’s the primary reason why ranges like the Tetons get much less busy in September. For the Teton Crest Trail, you’ll also find it easier to get a permit after Labor Day. Of course, there’s a slightly increased chance of seeing fresh snowfall in September, particularly the later you go in the month. (I generally prefer the first half of September.) But that’s impossible to predict far in advance, and the odds are good that you’ll see cooler but summer-like weather: mild days, cool nights.

As examples, this year, we saw a snowstorm over Labor Day weekend in the Idaho mountains and the Tetons, and glorious weather most of the rest of September. A friend and I backpacked five nice days in the North Cascades in the last week of September with mostly excellent weather. Hope that answers your question. Good luck with your trip planning.

Dear Michael,
I am trying to plan a scenic hiking trip with my almost 4 year old boy and husband. Both have asthma but husband is serious competitive rower and son is also pretty active in terms of biking, running and learning how to swim. We live in Houston. Do you have any suggestions ? Or what should I even aim for.
Thanks

Michael, planning a SE/SC Utah trip next year. wondering your advice on GPS usage? I’ve loaded some extra maps on my Garmin Nuvi and hope it will get me around on the BLM roads. Will it suffice getting from point A to B using Lat/Long??? or do I need a specialty unit? Or do you use off-line maps on an iPhone and such? Thanks.

Hi, well, believe it or not, I generally use printed atlases from DeLorme and Benchmark Maps to navigate on back roads, and the maps program on my phone when needed. Primitive, I know, but simple, cheap, and effective. I expect the maps you’ve loaded onto your Garmin would do the trick, too. Have a good trip.

I just wanted to say how much I love reading your blog! Your posts can always be counted on to inspire adventure. I also wanted to let you know that I just finished writing a post about my favorite travel blogs that inspire adventure and I’ve included your blog in it. I should be posting it in the next couple of day. Happy Travels!

My fiancé and I are planning a cross-country trip to Glacier National Park when I finish my Master’s in the spring. Any advice on a 5-6 day trip we can take in the beginning of May or mid May? I see the season doesn’t really start until late May but this is the only time we will be able to go. Thank you again for such an awesome blog.

Hi Tommy, Glacier’s certainly fabulous at any time of year. I’ve been there in early April, skiing in the backcountry. Higher elevations remain completely snow-covered, with potential avalanche hazard, into early summer, so hiking in the mountains is difficult and dangerous in May. You’ll find some info about hiking in spring at http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/spring.htm. In early May, you might get lucky and find some lower-elevation trails on the edges of the park relatively snow-free, like in the Lake McDonald and St. Mary areas, and maybe in the Belly River Valley in the park’s northeast corner. Unfortunately, it’s just not an ideal time to see much of Glacier.

Thanks for following my blog, I hope you subscribe and consider making a donation of support (scroll up this page for the Support button). Good luck with your trip.

Love your blog…….will be doing the Toxaway Lake to Alice Lake Loop over the Labor Day weekend and wanted to get your thoughts about adding some mileage by taking the trail over to Vernon Lake then going off trail from Vernon back to Toxaway…….is off trail hiking from Vernon to Toxaway doable……thanks for your jelp……jh

Thanks Joe. I’ve wondered that same question. On a map it looks like it’s not steep or far to hike from Vernon to Toxaway, but I’ve never done it. I may try it sometime. I’ve been throughout that area on trail, it’s all nice.

hi micheal! i want to make 2-5 day hike in the sawtooth mountain range near the end of august. i want to have a visible trail but one i am less likely to run into a bunch of people. maybe one that circles around and back to my car? im not afraid of heights and i feel confident enough with my physical endurance. i feel like scrambles and mellow climbs would only make the journey that much more enjoyable! if you could recommend a really gnarly yet satisfying backpacking trip i would greatly appreciate it. thank you

You’ll also find point-to-point backpacking trips in the first story that are great trips. As for avoiding crowds, August is the most popular month, and weekends are obviously busier than weekdays, but most of the Sawtooths really don’t see that many backpackers. Good luck.

Could you please recommend a 4-5 day backcountry trip in the Grand Teton Range that could include camp sites located outside of the park (maybe the Jedediah Smith Wilderness area), so I would not need to get a overnight permit in the park? I do have a 1 night permit for Paintbrush, so I was hoping to make that my last night for camping inside the park, then walk out to Jenny Lake on the last day. I was thinking the starting point could be around the top of Rendezvous Peak via the tramway? I have done day hikes in the Tetons, but never a backcountry trip, so I would appreciate your input. I’m going to be going the last week of August. I have basic skills with compass and map reading, so some off trail hiking is o.k.. I’m looking for solitude and will be solo hiking. Thank you for your time. Much appreciated!

Hi Gary, Take a look at a map of Grand Teton National Park and you’ll see that you have limited options for camping outside the park but still reaching Paintbrush Canyon for your last night. You can start at the top of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort tram and hike down into Granite Canyon, but that’s inside the park; to get outside the park to camp, you’d have to hike a bit south on the Teton Crest Trail out of Granite Canyon, and I’m told that Moose Lake in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness is a nice spot to camp. Then you’d turn around the next day and hike north on the Teton Crest Trail to Alaska Basin, which is outside the park, to camp your second night.

From Alaska Basin, it would be a big day, over 13 miles with two passes (Hurricane, which is easier, and Paintbrush Divide, which is a big climb), to reach Upper Paintbrush.

But it’s easier to get a first-come permit for camping in the southern areas of the park than it is for Paintbrush Canyon, which you already have. My suggestion: When you arrive at the park, go to the backcountry desk and try to add nights in the park to your existing permit for a night in Paintbrush. Death Canyon Shelf and South Fork Cascade Canyon offer some of the park’s best camping. See all of my Ask Me posts above about the Teton Crest Trail.

I have not backpacked much in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness (only the southern end of the Teton Crest Trail and a dayhike up Table Mountain from Teton Canyon on the west side). If you want to explore that area, you’ll see there are trails through it on the west side of the Tetons, but only a few spots where they link up with trails in the park. The shuttle is also much longer and more complicated (or expensive) if you start and finish at trailheads on the west and east sides of the Tetons instead of trailheads in the park (east side).

Hi…could you do an article on – what to pack? I’m going away for a weekend and I just filled up an Osprey 65 L pack – and I don’t even have a stove or tent in it! To make it worse…what I do have – air mattress, sleeping bag etc is new…like 2015 so it is not old heavy stuff. And end to end list for a couple different outing lengths would be great…